England fightback papers over the cracks
Bell’s character as much as his technique is under scrutiny. If he doesn’t make runs here, he could lose his place for the Caribbean to Michael Vaughan. The former England captain hasn’t done anything on the field to merit a recall but Pietersen and others are thought to be keen to have him back
But he still contrives to look less like a world-class batsman when he goes to the wicket than a wolf cub about to sing the pack mantra ("I'm a wolf cub, I'm a wolf cub, I'm a wolf cub yes I am and I'd rather be a wolf cub than I'd be a pot of jam" for those who have forgotten). This is demonstrated in his play.
Kanishkaa Balachandran is a senior sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo